Madhur Madanandeswara Siddhi Vinayaka Temple is located 8 km north-east of Kasaragod town. The imposing structure of the temple rises majestically against the beautiful landscape of hills and lush green fields on the banks of River Madhuvahini (river which carries nectar). Lord Madanandeswara (a form of Lord Shiva who burned Kamadeva also called as Madana) is the presiding deity.
The Swayambhoo Shivalinga (Shivalinga sprouted by itself) of the temple is said to have been found by a lady named Madura. A portrait of Lord Ganapathy was drawn by a priest's son, a small brahmin boy, on the walls of the Srikovil (sanctum sanctorum) while playing. Day by day it became big and fat and was called as Bodda ganapathi. Although Lord Shiva is the presiding deity, Lord Ganapathy is more famous as in Kottarakkara temple and Vazhappally temple. This is one of the most famous of Lord Ganapathi temples in ancient Tulunadu.
Among the special poojas that are performed, "Sahasra appam" (Thousand appas) is very prominent. It is an offering of thousand appas and then the devotees get to take home all these. Another very special pooja that happens is "Moodappam Seva" which involves covering the Lord Ganapathi idol with Appam. Similar offering is also there at Kottarakara Mahaganapathi temple. Vinayaka Chaturthi, Madhur Bedi, Navarathri, Vishu and Shivarathri are celebrated joyfully in this temple.
The most important structural identity of this temple is that it has a huge three-tired Gaja prishta type srikovil and the roofs are copper covered. The temple is centuries old and till date is very well maintained. The ceiling of the Namaskara Mandapa of the temple has been decorated with beautiful wood carvings. A closer examination of the wood carvings would disclose the various episodes of the Ramayana such as the Putrakameshtiyagam, Sita Swayamvaram etc. The second and third storeys of the sreekovil are also rich in attractive and exquisite wood carvings. The flag mast is also copper covered.
In 1784, Tippu Sulthan attaked Kumbala border and entered to Madhur area, after drinking water from the well of the temple, he changed his mind on attacking and demolishing the structure and marched towards Malabar. But to satisfy his soldiers, he made a cut with his sword symbolizing the attack. The mark is still visible on the building that is built around the temple well.
Kasi Viswanantha, Sastha, Durga, Subrahmanya and Narasimha are the sub-deities of the temple. Pachayappam, Unniyappam and Udayasthamana pooja are the main offerings. The five day long annual festival begins with kodiyettu on Medavishu day every year.
